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Reflecting on the year // 2018

2018, what a year it’s been for me and my little family. As the new year is nearly upon us, I wanted to have a quick look over the year gone by and see how far we’ve come. It’s been such a big year for us all, the year Freddie came into our lives and stole all hearts, Olly became a big brother and adapted to the role with ease and whilst we had adventures and travels we’ve also had to deal with challenges, health issues and worries. 

Me and Mine collage 2018

2018, the year of Freddie

In January our beautiful Freddie came into our lives and completed our little family. He has slotted in to family life really well and we have all loved having him here. It amazes me when we think of the struggles we had to conceive him and as I look at him now, with his big cheeky toothy grin with his infectious giggles, we are so lucky to have him.

Freddie by Kitty Belle Photography

We’ve had a fantastic year together as I’ve been off work on maternity leave. We’ve enjoyed Baby Massage and Baby Sparkles classes as well as going to Sing and Sign. We’ve had a busy year making and seeing friends and enjoying soft play, the park and sunshine in the back garden. We’re looking forward to doing more of the same next year.

Olly’s year of confidence

Olly has had quite a year. He’s growing into a fantastic young man who is intelligent, caring and sensitive, cheeky and quick witted with charm. He’s loved becoming a big brother and it’s really helped him with his anxiety. He now goes into school with ease, there’s no more tears as he lines up with his school friends and just recently his progress was evident at the Year One carol concert as he stood up on stage with the biggest grin across his face. He sang and danced on stage and both Shilts and I were so proud of him. It seems being a big brother really is the making of him and it is wonderful to see.

2018 was the year both boys had chicken pox and it was just awful. Olly really suffered with it and had over 150 spots which were nasty and painful. He was so brave but not being able to hug him because of the pain was really hard. Freddie escaped the worst of it and only had a very mild case of chicken pox thankfully.

Freddie five months

Olly Worthing Pier

Shilts’ 2018

Shilts has had a busy year with a brilliant year at work. Taking on additional responsibility and now being in charge of additional subjects he’s really thriving and enjoying his work. He’s also studying for his Masters which is hard work but he’s managing to juggle the work and study as well as be a hands on Daddy and Husband, I’m not sure where he finds the time!

Unfortunately, in late August Shilts had to be admitted to hospital for a painful lump that had grown in his armpit. The lump was a cyst that was surgically drained but the biggest surprise was that he was Type 1 Diabetic. We are led to believe the cyst was a result of his diabetes and he’s now on Insulin five times a day with regular blood testing and other medical appointments to keep an eye on him. It’s been the biggest adjustment and Shilts has handled it so well. It cannot be easy to test his blood so frequently and injecting himself with insulin, I’m really proud of how he’s managing his new found condition.

Cadbury character breakfasts Cadbury World Birmingham

My year

I have had the most brilliant year of self-discovery. It sounds really indulgent but having a year off to have a baby has made me realise what I want in life, how I want to succeed and who really matters. I’ve not been surprised by people who haven’t got in touch over the last year, I am done with chasing people and trying to please people.

ODDBODS in Bournemouth Big Wheel

Although I always knew I was going to do it, I have recently handed in my notice from my HR job to concentrate on life at home and work for myself. I have been able to build this blog up over the last few years to what it is today and I’m hopeful that with more time to work on it in our new home office, I’ll be more productive and can work smarter not harder. I have always worked hard so I know that won’t change but making it work for me and my boys is something I want to work on next year.

Health wise, I have put myself last (as usual) and I have gained quite a bit of weight. Something that hasn’t gone unnoticed but I have had too many other important things to concern myself with. This is something I am going to change in the new year as I’m determined to get back to a healthy weight with less chins with a healthy diet and exercise. When I have lost weight in the past, I know you have to be 100% committed and focused and I’m looking forward to readjusting my mindset to succeed in 2019.

Yazoo No Added Sugar

Family travels

We’ve been able to travel quite a bit this year and have taken the boys to various parts of the UK for family holidays and breaks away. In May we went to Norfolk and stayed in the most beautiful lodge in Mundesley. In August we went to Dorset and enjoyed Littlehampton and the south coast. We were really lucky with the weather as it was hot and sunny and the boys got to play in the sea at the beach.

ME and Mine Aug 2018

On Littlehampton beach enjoying the sunshine

In late August, I booked a last minute trip to Disneyland Paris and we had a fantastic few days in France. Shilts drove us to Chessy and it’s an adventure he loved doing so we may re-trace our steps if I have my way next year. Disney was lovely and Olly got to enjoy lots of rides and we introduced Freddie to the Disney magic.

Disneyland Paris August 2018

At home

In our home, we’ve made some fantastic changes with a new bathroom and a new home office. I found the work stressful handing my house over to builders and plumbers but the work that they have done has been fantastic and we’ve now got another two rooms that are near on completion. We need to redecorate the bathroom in the new year with new curtains and paint on the walls but we’ve been able to use the bathroom so it’s not been a priority.

Our new home office has already made such a difference to the space in the house as we’ve moved things from the lounge and the dining / play room into the office giving us more space for the boys to play. The office is a dream space to work in with a desk for both of us and I’m so pleased with how it’s turned out.

home office

As I look back I am really pleased with what we have achieved in 2018. It’s been a big year for us with various changes but changes that have really made us happy and excited for the future together. Here’s to 2019 and all that is brings!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!

Comments

  1. Jules says

    Shilts’ diabetes must have been such a shock, but it sounds like he’s taken it all in his stride. It was lovely to hear about how the boys have progressed last year, especially Freddie in his carol concert. You must have been so proud. Good luck with your self employment and weight loss this year. I hope 2019 is a brilliant year for you all x #ShareYourYear

  2. Kate | Lesbemums says

    What a busy year! I’ve loved following you throughout your year and watching Olly & Freddie grow, and that office space is just gorgeous – I’ve never thought about mounting a Kallax!
    Lets hope 2019 isn’t as stressful. Happy New Year!
    #ShareYourYear

  3. Helen Costello says

    Wow what an incredible year – Sorry to read you have had health challenges to deal with too. Freddie is just adorable – isn’t it wonderful seeing your children becoming siblings? Wishing you all the best for 2019 #Shareyouryear

  4. The Queen of Collage says

    It sounds like 2018 was full on for you. I didn’t realise that you could discover type 1 Diabetes as an adult. May 2019 bring all that you wish for. #shareyouryear

  5. Lauren | Scrapbook Blog says

    Your year has been a whopping success if you ask me, and I love that you’ve ditched the job! I know you’ll succeed! Also if you ever come back to littlehampton let me know as we’re only up the road! :)
    Thanks for linking up to #ShareYourYear!

  6. tobygoesbananas says

    It’s definitely been a big year for you all hasn’t it? I’m so pleased to hear how well Ollie is doing – I know how hard it’s been with school the last few years. And I am very jealous of your office, it looks amazing! #ShareYourYear

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